Life-saving device



w. G. PARMELE.

LIFE SAVING DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED JAN-1'1, 1921.

1 ,400, 976 Patented Dec. 20, 1921.

UNITED .tATEhlT Ol b'lt;

LIFE-SAVING DEVICII.

Application filed January 11, 1921.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, W'ILLIAM PAREIELE, a citizen of the United States, residing at Seattle, in the county of King and State of lVashington, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Lite-Saving Devices; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description 0'? the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates to a life saving device, and more particularly to a device known as a swimmers collar, or buoyant collar.

The object of the invention is to provide a buoyant device, pretlerably consisting of an inflated rubber tube, of circular term, to be slipped over the head of the user, and allowed to encircle the neck.

A further object is to provide a device 01' the character indicated which will require no fastening device, the article being of the required size and being sutliciently elastic to permit ot passing over the head oi the user, without danger of accidental displacement.

A still turther obiect is to provide a device which when in position will not interfe e with swimming or plunge diving.

With the foregoing and other objects in View, the invention consists in the provision of an air inflated. or other buoyant member, proportioned to lit the neck of the user, and being slightly elastic. and-having surlicient displacement to prevent the individual using the article from sinking beyond his depth.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view oi the device, in position for use.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary view, chiefly in section, showing especially the connection by means oi which the device is inflated.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of another form.

In carrying out my invention, I provide a buoyant member 10, shown in the first instance as consisting of a rubber tube, of suitable proportions and adapted to be inflated with air through the connection 12, which is closed by the valve 14.

Although a valve connection has been shown, permitting of inflation and deflation as desired, it is entirely practicable to infiate the tubular member, and seal the con- Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Dec. 20, 1921.

Serial No. 436,519.

nection in such manner that the device may be used for an extended period without the necessity of again filling it with air.

One of the chief objections to safety device ot the type or types in common use is that they interiere more or less with the movements of the user in bathing and in earningto swim. In making use of this collar, the difliculty referred to is largely or wholly eliminated, and especially is this true when plunge diving is indulged in. As previously intimated, the tube is sutflciently elastic when inflated to permit of the user passing the article over his head, but subsequent displacement by accident is prevented, owing to the contraction of the rubber.

Vi hile reference has been made to the use of an expansible member to be inflated with air, it is obvious that an expansible collar of any construction, formed of buoyant material, will serve the purpose. For instance, I have shown in Fig. 3 a device cl? this type formed of a plurality of segmental sections 10 connected by elements 15, at least one of which is elastic. ln this form the buoyant elements maybe of rubber, or if not so made, the elastic connecting portion or portions will permit of the expansion of the device, so that it may he slipped over the head, and will then fit snugly without causing inconvcnience. All surfaces of he elements 10 are nreterably rounded, as shown. These portions may be of standard size. and variation in size 0'? the complete device may be secured by using elements 15 of the required length, or by reducing the length of any one at them, when the parts are first assembled, or subsequently.

l lavin thus described the invention, what I claim is A life saving apparatus consisting of a continuous buoyant body passable over the head of the wearer and contractile about the neck to assume a position intermediate the head and shoulders. and said body having a reduced elastic portion to facilitate contraction and expansion.

in testimony whereof I aflix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

WILLIAM G. PARMELE.

Witnesses:

ANNIE M. Pos'r, IRA JACKSON. 

